The Valley’s Best Burgers

The latest issue of Texas Monthly features The 50 Greatest Burgers in Texas. First, i want to congratulate Larry and Jessica Delgado of House Wine & Bistro in McAllen for being the only hamburger from the Rio Grande Valley chosen among the top 50 for this article. House Wine is a great place and a local favorite. It is on my “to-do” list to plan on going back and ordering the “McAllen Ranch Burger.”

It would take a long time, considering the size of our state, for us to delight on all of the top 50 burgers, but i feel we are entitled to our opinion on the subject. We can certainly provide guidance for people to find original and tasty hamburgers here in the Valley. Let’s keep in mind that what can be a great burger to some, does not necessarily mean it is the same for all, but with careful scrutiny we can certainly come up with the top burgers in the Rio Grande Valley.

Last July my husband and i visited Edinburg for a piano recital at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Wonderful performance and incredible venue at the new Performing Arts Complex.  Afterwards, our friends Virginia and George Gause suggested dinner at the University Draft House in Edinburg. Without hesitation we agreed, for our friends have a knack for good food. Virginia recommended the lamb burger called “The Greek,” and i have to say it was fantastic! The menu’s selection of hamburgers is varied, so the choice is not easy.  I made the right choice and recommend this burger to all lamb lovers out there. The Greek burger consists of ground lamb, cinnamon, mint, basil, roasted tomato, arugula, red onions, feta cheese, cucumber and Tzatziki sauce served on a whole grain bun. My husband ordered the “Bucking Bronco” burger which he also raves about. Made in-house french fries and sweet potato fries are also favorites. For the menu, prices and restaurant location, please click on the link above.

After dinner, we had the pleasure of meeting Chef Jesus (Chuy) Trevino, and complimented him on a job well done. Not only does he prepare hearty burgers, but Chuy is a friendly and amenable guy who did not mind us taking dozens of photos – it took that many to get a somewhat good one – before heading back to the kitchen.

The University Draft House’s ambiance is ideal for pleasant indoor and outdoor dining. It is a sports-bar  setting with plenty of TV screens. Outside is the place to enjoy the night sky and live music.  More and more i see outdoor dining venues and it’s great. For many years people said the Valley was too hot to eat outside during the Summer, but because of our southern breeze  Valley evenings are much cooler than evenings further up state. The Fall and Winter seasons are fantastic for dining alfresco.

Plenty to love about the Valley. What is your favorite hamburger in the Rio Grande Valley?

Virginia Haynie Gause is the creator of  ArtsRGV.com  where all the Valley’s art and cultural events are featured. Visit and plan your staycation!